Living with Purpose: Embracing God's Sovereignty and Glory
Summary
Taking a deep breath reminds us of the precious gift of life that God grants us moment by moment. This awareness should lead us to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, recognizing that our lives are in His hands. We often make plans with the assumption that we have control over our future, but the truth is, our lives are like a vapor, here one moment and gone the next. This realization should drive us to live with a focus on God's will, rather than our own agendas. As we grow older, the reality of our mortality should make us more serious about our faith, not more casual. We should be preparing to meet God, living each day as if it could be our last.
In the church, there is a tendency to become complacent, to go through the motions without truly engaging with the reality of who God is. We must ask ourselves if we are truly living for God or if we are more concerned with appearances and what others think of us. The story of Job reminds us that our lives are not about us; they are about God's glory. Job's trials were not about his comfort or understanding but about demonstrating God's sovereignty and righteousness. We must be willing to accept that our lives are for His glory, even when we don't understand His ways.
The story of Jonathan and his armor-bearer in 1 Samuel 14 is a powerful example of faith and courage. Despite the fear and trembling of the Israelite army, Jonathan believed that God could save by many or by few. This kind of faith is what we need today—a faith that steps out in boldness, trusting that God is with us. We need to be leaders who inspire others to follow God wholeheartedly, even if it means standing alone.
In our churches, we must strive for authenticity and unity. We should be a community where people can be honest about their struggles and where the love of Christ is evident. This kind of community will draw others to Christ, as they see the genuine love and forgiveness that only the Holy Spirit can produce. We must be willing to be transformed by God's Word and to live out our faith in a way that reflects His glory.
Key Takeaways:
- Life is a gift from God, and we must live with the awareness that each breath is granted by Him. This should lead us to live with urgency and purpose, focusing on God's will rather than our own plans. [00:32]
- Our lives are not about us; they are about God's glory. The story of Job teaches us that God has the right to use our lives for His purposes, even when we don't understand. We must be willing to accept this and live for His glory. [28:08]
- We need to be leaders like Jonathan, who step out in faith and courage, trusting that God can save by many or by few. This kind of faith inspires others to follow God wholeheartedly. [13:15]
- Authenticity and unity in the church are crucial. We must be a community where people can be honest about their struggles and where the love of Christ is evident. This will draw others to Christ as they see the genuine love and forgiveness that only the Holy Spirit can produce. [10:46]
- We must be willing to be transformed by God's Word and to live out our faith in a way that reflects His glory. This requires a commitment to reading and applying Scripture, allowing it to shape our lives and our communities. [20:26]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - The Gift of Breath
[01:04] - Life's Uncertainty
[02:34] - Living with Urgency
[03:47] - Facing God's Holiness
[05:16] - Authentic Faith
[06:50] - Hidden Lives and Hypocrisy
[08:26] - Confession and Revival
[10:32] - Church Culture and Authenticity
[12:00] - Jonathan's Bold Faith
[14:35] - The Power of Prayer
[16:13] - Approaching God in Prayer
[20:12] - Engaging with Scripture
[22:31] - Understanding Job's Story
[28:08] - God's Sovereignty and Our Purpose
[36:39] - The Bigger Picture
[41:58] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. James 4:13-15 - "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'"
2. 1 Samuel 14:6-7 - "Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, 'Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.' 'Do all that you have in mind,' his armor-bearer said. 'Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.'"
3. Job 1:6-12 - The story of Job's trials and God's sovereignty.
Observation Questions:
1. What does James 4:13-15 teach us about making plans and the uncertainty of life? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on living with urgency and purpose? [01:59]
2. In 1 Samuel 14:6-7, what was Jonathan’s perspective on God’s ability to save? How did his armor-bearer respond to Jonathan’s faith? [13:02]
3. How does the story of Job illustrate the concept that our lives are for God's glory, even when we don't understand His ways? [28:08]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of authenticity and unity within the church community? [10:32]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the realization that life is a "vapor" (James 4:14) impact our daily decisions and priorities? What does it mean to live with a focus on God's will? [02:13]
2. What can we learn from Jonathan’s bold faith in 1 Samuel 14 about trusting God in seemingly impossible situations? How can this inspire us to lead others? [13:15]
3. How does the story of Job challenge our understanding of suffering and God's sovereignty? What does it mean to live for God's glory in the midst of trials? [28:08]
4. How can the church cultivate a culture of authenticity and unity that reflects the love and forgiveness of Christ? What role does the Holy Spirit play in this transformation? [10:46]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did you consider God's will in that decision? How can you incorporate seeking God's will into your daily planning? [02:13]
2. Think of a situation in your life that seems overwhelming. How can Jonathan’s example of faith and courage inspire you to trust God in that situation? [13:15]
3. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to understand God's purpose? How can the story of Job encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty? [28:08]
4. In what ways can you contribute to building a more authentic and unified church community? How can you encourage others to be honest about their struggles? [10:46]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith. What practical steps can you take to respond to that call? [13:15]
6. How can you ensure that your life reflects God's glory, even in difficult circumstances? What changes might you need to make in your attitude or actions? [28:08]
7. Consider someone in your life who may be struggling with their faith. How can you support and encourage them to experience the love and forgiveness of Christ? [10:46]
Devotional
Day 1: Living with Urgency and Purpose
Life is a precious gift from God, and each breath we take is a reminder of His grace and sovereignty. This awareness should lead us to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, recognizing that our lives are in His hands. We often make plans with the assumption that we have control over our future, but the truth is, our lives are like a vapor, here one moment and gone the next. This realization should drive us to live with a focus on God's will, rather than our own agendas. As we grow older, the reality of our mortality should make us more serious about our faith, not more casual. We should be preparing to meet God, living each day as if it could be our last. [00:32]
"For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding." (1 Chronicles 29:15, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can align your daily routine with God's purpose for your life today?
Day 2: Embracing God's Glory Over Personal Comfort
Our lives are not about us; they are about God's glory. The story of Job teaches us that God has the right to use our lives for His purposes, even when we don't understand. Job's trials were not about his comfort or understanding but about demonstrating God's sovereignty and righteousness. We must be willing to accept that our lives are for His glory, even when we don't understand His ways. This perspective shifts our focus from seeking personal comfort to embracing the greater purpose of glorifying God in all circumstances. [28:08]
"Behold, God is great, and we know him not; the number of his years is unsearchable." (Job 36:26, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life are you struggling to see God's glory? How can you surrender this to Him today?
Day 3: Bold Faith in Action
The story of Jonathan and his armor-bearer in 1 Samuel 14 is a powerful example of faith and courage. Despite the fear and trembling of the Israelite army, Jonathan believed that God could save by many or by few. This kind of faith is what we need today—a faith that steps out in boldness, trusting that God is with us. We need to be leaders who inspire others to follow God wholeheartedly, even if it means standing alone. This bold faith is not reckless but rooted in a deep trust in God's power and presence. [13:15]
"Then Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, 'Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.'" (1 Samuel 14:6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you take a bold step today?
Day 4: Authenticity and Unity in Community
In our churches, we must strive for authenticity and unity. We should be a community where people can be honest about their struggles and where the love of Christ is evident. This kind of community will draw others to Christ, as they see the genuine love and forgiveness that only the Holy Spirit can produce. We must be willing to be transformed by God's Word and to live out our faith in a way that reflects His glory. Authenticity and unity are crucial for a thriving church community that truly represents Christ. [10:46]
"Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another." (Ephesians 4:25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to a more authentic and unified community in your church this week?
Day 5: Transformation Through Scripture
We must be willing to be transformed by God's Word and to live out our faith in a way that reflects His glory. This requires a commitment to reading and applying Scripture, allowing it to shape our lives and our communities. Engaging with Scripture is not just about gaining knowledge but about allowing God's Word to transform our hearts and actions. As we immerse ourselves in the Bible, we become more aligned with God's will and better equipped to live out our faith authentically. [20:26]
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: What specific passage of Scripture will you commit to studying and applying this week? How will you let it transform your daily life?
Quotes
Taking a deep breath reminds us that we were all able to do that because someone gave us that breath. You did not do that on your own, and there is no guarantee he's going to give you another one. Everything's under his control. My whole life is in his hands. [00:00:22]
The Bible says he alone is Immortal, that means all life comes from one being. That means even the demons right now exist because he allows the demons to exist. The angels exist only because this one being is saying, you know, I'm going to let the Angels continue living. [00:01:20]
You guys, we've got to live our lives this way going I don't know. I don't know what comes after this God. I don't know if we make it through this. Look, every year I'm turning 47 this month. Every year I get a little more serious about the end. [00:02:43]
I would just ask you if you're for real. Look, I've been a pastor for gosh I don't know like 25 years now. I've had everyone in their mother lie to me. People shake my hand after, oh great message, you know, great sermon, pastor, and then I find out what's going on in their life later on. [00:05:39]
Does anyone in this room really even know you? Do you have like a hidden life where you know maybe you see a bunch of other people in the church churching go well there are a bunch of Hypocrites too and so you just kind of blend in but everything inside of you goes no I got to turn from this. [00:06:27]
We must be a community where people can be honest about their struggles and where the love of Christ is evident. This will draw others to Christ as they see the genuine love and forgiveness that only the Holy Spirit can produce. [00:10:32]
Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, he goes come on let's go over to the Garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few. [00:13:02]
Do you believe right now that you and I have the same Holy Spirit they did back then, the same communication with God like Jonathan had back then, and that right now you and I could pray to him if he lets us and we could say God I want that type of power. [00:15:14]
I lead these churches in San Francisco now and I love it because it's not everyone come and sit and listen to one guy but it's everyone get involved. Everyone read the word of God. We read through the Bible in a year and so everyone in the church is supposed to be reading in the same passages every day. [00:20:05]
The story of Job is saying look there's a bigger picture going on. It's not about you. This world doesn't revolve around you. It's about God in heaven looking down on this Earth and going who really loves me in that room. I know this supposed to be a Christian Conference but man who's for real in that room. [00:36:39]
It's all about him. The Angels get it. They cover themselves up and scream holy, holy, holy. This is so not about me and now we on the earth we want to join them and go God I get it everything revolves around you and right now just come before almighty God. [00:43:59]
Some of you need to just confess. Others of you, you know God's calling you to take a stand like Jonathan and you need to ask him for courage to constantly see him and live each day as your last. Some of you, you don't even know God really and I'm praying that it would start tonight. [00:44:59]
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